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The Chelsea skipper denied the charge but the commission ruled that he was guilty of misconduct during Chelsea's Premier League defeat at QPR on October 23 last year.

The 31-year-old, who on Sunday announced his retirement from international football, can lodge an appeal against the panel's decision.

The FA confirmed the result in a statement: "An Independent Regulatory Commission has today [Thursday 27 September 2012] found a charge of misconduct against John Terry proven and has issued a suspension for a period of four matches and a fine of £220,000, pending appeal.

"The Football Association charged Mr Terry on Friday 27 July 2012 with using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards Queens Park Rangers' Anton Ferdinand and which included a reference to colour and/or race contrary to FA Rule E3[2] in relation to the Queens Park Rangers FC versus Chelsea FC fixture at Loftus Road on 23 October 2011.

"The charge was the result of The FA's long-standing investigation into this matter, which was placed on hold at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service and Mr Terry's representatives pending the outcome of the criminal trial.

"A hearing took place from 24-27 September 2012 before an Independent Regulatory Commission of The FA to consider the charge.

"The decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission is as follows: Mr Terry be suspended from all domestic club football until such time as Chelsea's First Team have completed four competitive matches. Fined the sum of £220,000.

"The Independent Regulatory Commission will provide written reasons for its decision in due course. Mr Terry has the right to appeal the decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission to an Appeal Board. An appeal must be lodged within 14 days from receipt of the written reasons for the decision.

"The penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or should Mr Terry decide not to appeal. The reason for this is to ensure that the penalty does not take effect before any appeal so that Mr Terry has an effective right of appeal."